The Remedy nominated for Orange Prize

The Remedy is set in Borough Market and Venice in 1785 when a Venetian spy and actress joins the Bankside underworld. The author lives on the waterside in both SE1 and Venice and has researched the 18th-century history of both locations.

The nomination for best novel of the year comes just a week after the book was published by Virago. The Orange list contains twenty titles with the shortlist due to be announced at the end of April.

This year's judges are comedienne Jo Brand, author Joanne Harris, theatre director Jude Kelly and broadcaster Moira Stuart. The panel is being chaired by Women's Hour anchor Jenni Murray and their decision will be revealed in June.

• A three-part adaptation of Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith, set in Victorian Borough and Bankside, begins on BBC One at 9pm on Easter Day. The cast includes Imelda Staunton, Rupert Evans and Charles Dance.